Russia would like to undermine the EU by the massive arrival of Ukrainian refugees, creating additional problems in EU countries’ economies and societies writes Roman Rukomeda.
Roman Rukomeda is a Ukrainian political analyst. This is his 28th account of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which he succeeded to send to EURACTIV despite hardships and limited internet access.
The 35th day of Russian aggression against Ukraine is coming to an end. Despite the negotiations in Istanbul, Russian aggressors continue to bomb and destroy Ukrainian cities and regions. They continue to kill hundreds of civilians and use weapons prohibited by international conventions.
For example, on 28 March, Ukrainian sappers confirmed Russian invaders are using the latest Medallion anti-personnel mines. Such mines are produced only by Russia.
These mines use seismic sensors that distinguish human walking. After the signal on the sensor is triggered, the warhead flies out of the mine at a distance of 1 – 1.5 meters and explodes.
Explosives and metal plates flying out of the warhead can kill people within a 16-meter radius and, at best, can cause serious injury. Human Rights Watch stressed that such mines are banned by the 1997 Ottawa International Convention, signed by 169 countries.
Russia has not signed this agreement. In this and other ways, Russia acts as the most significant and most dangerous terrorist state in Europe and the world.
Meanwhile, Russian aggression against Ukraine has already led to the biggest migration crisis in Europe in the 21st century. Only by the UN information, more than four million Ukrainians left the country and moved to EU countries as refugees. Almost half of these people are now in Poland. About eight million Ukrainians had to leave their homes and become internal refugees inside the country.
More than half of Ukrainian children had to move from their houses and either leave the country or settle as refugees in schools and hostels in the peaceful regions of Ukraine. The pain and fear of Ukrainian children are the worst crimes Russian terrorists committed during this war.
European Union and NATO countries should understand that the refugee problem is a part of Russian strategy. Millions of Ukrainians who are leaving their homeland are not only weakening their country but also creating additional pressure in the European countries. Russia’s goal is to pressure the EU by using Ukrainian refugees, creating additional problems in economies and societies.
The key to solving the refugee problem is Ukraine’s successful defence against Russian aggressors. The faster Ukraine will push back the hordes of Russian terrorists and war criminals, the sooner refugees from EU countries will return to Ukraine. But for this, Ukraine needs more weapons and financial help from its partners and allies.
This is the only way.
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